New genomic regions for resistance to anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) through GBS-based genome-wide association study in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

The most effective strategy to manage bean anthracnose (ANT), caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, is the use of resistant cultivars. This study aimed to evaluate resistance reactions of common bean accessions to C. lindemuthianum races 2, 9 and 1545, and to perform genome-wide association study (GWAS). Hence, 89 accessions were phenotyped and genotyped through genotyping by sequencing (GBS). As a result, 48 accessions resistant to all evaluated races were identified. Moreover, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) significantly associated with resistance were identified in new regions of chromosomes Pv03, Pv05 and Pv06, and also at the beginning of Pv04 and end of Pv11, where other resistance genes have been previously found. In reference genome these regions contain model genes encoding resistance proteins as kinases, leucine-rich repeats, receptor-like protein, copper transport protein, pentatricopeptide repeats, calcium-dependent protein kinases, and ethylene-responsive transcription factors. The genomic regions associated to ANT resistance found in this study should be validated for further use in marker assisted selection and gene pyramiding. Together with new sources of ANT resistance our findings show promise for further crop improvement.